1989 Honda Accord Reviews - Page 2 of 20

1989 Honda Accord EX-i 2.0 PGM-Fi from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Head gaskets blown at 329000 km, clutch slipping since purchase. Opted to replace with D16Y7 engine/transmission from a wrecked 99-00 Civic.

Worn out shocks, 346000 km.

Sunroof glass shattered at 365000 km (in the snow, parked outside for a day). This is the only major failure with this car.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute testament to Honda quality. It's fast approaching 400000 km, and almost all of it still feels flawless. The doors still slam shut, buttons, switches, panels, don't feel loose or worn at all. And the true beauty of this car is that it's very much like Lego; you can take almost ANY part from another Honda, and make it work (The engine and gearbox I sourced from a junkyard Civic). This car is quite capable of 500000 km, if not more. And its pick-n-choose ease of service definitely helps.

Styling is an odd point on this car, I happen to like the boxiness of it, the pop-up headlights, while some of my friends think it's hideous. Visibility is good all around, and feels very open up front (Honda made a point to design the car with a very low nose and large windscreen, something about making it feel like an F1 car). The exterior requires more attention than normal (especially in snowy climates), because the rust can and will very quickly destroy this car.

Performance is lackluster at best, even with an upgraded engine. Highways will push the engine to its limits, so it's best used as a city car. Even the headlights going up will make a noticeable difference. The (original) engine is peppy and responsive, but still woefully underpowered.

Handling, on the other hand, is superb. The ride may not be perfectly smooth, but this Accord can tackle corners with ease. The power steering is set up so that it is incredibly easy to maneuver in low speeds (parking, etc) but feels firm and responsive at cruising speed. Another reason this car is so great for the city; very easy to parallel park.

So there you have it, a near-flawless, questionably styled, well equipped, very reasonably priced sedan that will run for damn near forever. Must I say more?

1989 Honda Accord EX-i 2.0L EFI from North America

Summary:

Faults:

First thing in the morning I come up to a stop. All the rain that had gone through the sun roof went down the back of my shirt... COLD.

Click clack of the passenger front wheel bearing that need to either be re-packed or just replaced.

Usual Honda rust around the wheel wells, nothing to really complain about considering the car is 21 years old. I'm 18 and in pretty bad shape .

General Comments:

This is my third car, and it is a treat to drive such a smooth and beautiful car. I wanted a 4 door 5 speed import, and I got that and a bunch more. All my options work, and some options I don't even know what they are, but they work. Beautiful interior, original speakers proving it was never owned by a high revving teenager. I enjoy the quality of the build.

The only noise coming from my engine is the tick of the fuel injectors, it's a beautiful sound having an engine run that smooth. Sometimes the engine is so quiet when idling, I think I've stalled, but that good old tachometer is always there to prove me wrong.

The interior does have some sort of a "boring" appearance. It's all beige and black. A nice assortment of color, but a little dull to look at on long trips. I have a 45 minute commute to work every day.

Love the car, and I hope to one day look back at it and smile. My last car, a 1984 Toyota Tercel 4 wheel drive wagon, was not something I could smile at. The car before that was something I could. I loved my 1986 Mazda 626 LXI. It was the most perfect machine. I only hope this Honda can keep up...